Prof. Tyner featured for the Page Alumni MLK Service Day

Prof. Tyner, Clinical Faculty in the Community Justice Project, is featured in the Page Alumni Foundation MLK Service Day e-newsletter. Read her alumni profile.

Artika Tyner believes whole-heartedly in the mission of the Page Education Foundation. Be it through speaking on behalf of the Foundation, acting as a mentor to current Scholars, or taking initiative to assist in the coordination the Page Alumni Society, Artika has been a steadfast proponent of diversity in education. She feels the example set by Justice Page and the opportunity provided by the Foundation reinforced her appetite for knowledge and strengthened her resolve to give back. Most importantly Artika notes that her professional development was profoundly influenced by her experience combining academics and service as a Page Scholar. "I choose a career of law because I believe law is a language of power and provides a chance to impact the community. I saw it as a way to give back."

Ms. Tyner truly values the mentoring and guidance provided to her as a Page Scholar. Feeling that she had someone in her corner, who believed in her potential, allowed Artika to excel throughout her undergraduate studies at Hamline University and later at the University of Saint Thomas School of Law. In addition to her law degree Artika has obtained a Masters in Public Policy and is now a Doctoral Candidate, drafting her dissertation on legal professionals using their expertise to promote social change. Ms. Tyner's current positions as the Director of Diversity, Chair of the Committee on Multicultural Affairs, and Clinical Law Faculty in the Community Justice Program, all provide a testament to the balance of ambition and altruism that has characterized her academic and professional careers.

Her experiences with the Foundation and perspective as an educator make Artika a powerful mentor for current Scholars. "On a personal level I just found it to be very energizing to work with the young people. I see it as an opportunity to pay it forward because I was a first generation college student and law student." As a mentor, Artika worked with a Scholar over three years, helping the young woman with everything from editing papers, to selecting classes and deciding on a major.

Though some time has passed since Artika was a Page Scholar, she feels that the work of the Page Education Foundation is as relevant today as ever. By assisting in the Page Scholar selection process each year Ms. Tyner is able to see, and be encouraged by the quality and drive of our future Scholars. "It really seems as if the young people who are applying have a context for how education will help them achieve their dreams, help their families, and contribute to their community."